After you have completed your orthodontic treatment and your smile is properly aligned, our Las Vegas orthodontist will provide you with a retainer. Retainers are custom-made oral appliances used to help keep your teeth in their newly aligned position. Without a retainer, your teeth may shift back into their previous positions, causing your teeth to become crooked and misaligned once again. Retainers ensure that your teeth remain properly aligned to give you a beautiful smile and promote better oral health and function.
Types of Retainers
There are several types of retainers available, and Dr. Brian Chamberlain will discuss your options with you to find the right type of retainer for your needs. Your options include:
- Hawley Retainers – This type of retainer consists of wires and clasps embedded in a plastic body. A Hawley retainer for the upper arch will cover the roof of your mouth, while a retainer for the lower arch will lie along the tongue side of the teeth. The clasps of this retainer fit around your teeth to anchor the retainer in place while the wire arches across the front of the teeth help maintain proper tooth alignment.
- Clear Retainers – This type of retainer is made of clear plastic and fits snugly over your teeth, similar to a clear aligner. This type of retainer is more discreet than a Hawley retainer but is often not as durable.
- Fixed Retainers – Also known as permanent retainers or bonded retainers, a fixed retainer is attached to the back side of your front teeth, where it prevents your teeth from shifting out of place. A fixed retainer can only be removed by a dental professional.
To learn more about retainers in Las Vegas, Nevada, and make an appointment with our experienced Las Vegas orthodontist, call SuperSmile Orthodontics at 702-645-5100 and speak with a member of our team.